I have no publications, but I have given talks at national events. Can that count?

Yes, talks at national events can help offset the absence of publications in the EB-1. The visa does not require any single mandatory criterion; what matters is that you bring together consistent signals of recognition in your field. Being invited to speak at prominent events is one of those signals.

What determines the value of these talks is context. Speaking at a prestigious event, before a qualified audience, and at the invitation of the organizers communicates distinction among your peers. Routine or low-visibility presentations, on the other hand, tend to carry little weight regardless of how many there are.

• Keep the invitation, the program, and materials that show the scale of the event.
• Gather evidence of the audience and the relevance of the conference.
• Add letters that confirm why you were chosen to speak.

Keep in mind that the assessment is made on the overall picture: each piece of evidence contributes to building a coherent record of your career. To understand how your talks interact with the other criteria, consult the official USCIS guidelines or have your profile evaluated by a specialist.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.